Israel advances plan to build in Jewish settlement

Palestinians hold pictures of prisoners jailed in Israel during a rally calling for their release in the West Bank city of Nablus, Monday, Feb. 11, 2013. The Palestinians have long been anxious for the U.S. to revive serious talks with Israel but their expectations were dampened following a White House statement last week that Obama will not pursue any new peace initiatives on his visit, expected in late March. (AP Photo/Nasser Ishtayeh)

JERUSALEM (AP) — An Israeli official says the government has given final approval for construction of 90 new homes in a West Bank settlement, a move that could cause tensions with the U.S. ahead of President Barack Obama’s visit to the region.

The official says the homes were first announced last year in an agreement with Jewish settlers in exchange for evacuating an unauthorized West Bank outpost. The government published its final approval on Sunday.

The official spoke Monday on condition of anonymity because he is not authorized to talk to the media.

Anti-settlement activist Hagit Ofran says construction could begin within weeks. That means the work could coincide with Obama’s visit.

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Obama has criticized settlement construction in the West Bank and east Jerusalem, territories claimed by the Palestinians.